Benoit Saint Denis

Benoit Saint Denis is a French martial artist, MMA fighter and former professional kickboxer. He is best known for competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born on June 5th 1982 in Grenoble, France, he began training at age 12 after seeing UFC 1 on television. His father was a judo teacher who taught him all of his early technique which resulted in Benoit becoming one of the most acclaimed MMA fighters in Europe.

In 2004, Saint Denis began to take part in professional fights, becoming part of the Shootboxing S-Cup Tournament series where he won four out of five fights and became one of its champions. Later that year he also joined K-1 Max and fought his way to the finals beating notable opponents such as Andy Souwer and Yves Edwards along the way. In 2006 he competed at Pride Final Conflict Absolute but lost to Mirko Cro Cop Filipovic via unanimous decision after three rounds.

In 2008 Saint Denis made his debut appearance in mixed martial arts when he joined Cage Rage Championships earning himself two first round submission stoppages against Dean Amasinger and Ross Mason while still fighting under 70kg weight class rule due to lack resources from sponsorships prior to joining major organizations like UFC or Strikeforce. However this would soon change once signed with UFC late 2009 ending up 10-1 before making his octagon debut defeating American Mike Massenzio by technical knockout during The Ultimate Fighter 11 Finale card held at Palms Casino Resort Nevada US on June 19 2010 .

Since then Benoit has continued to record wins displaying improved stand up game as well as ground control offering exciting performances each time stepping inside cage from victories over Tom Lawlor via guillotine choke submission Rafael Natal via TKO Rousimar Palhares by unanimous decision Yoshihiro Akiyama by triangle choke submission Brad Tavares via split judges decision Ed Hermann Majority Decision among other notables opponents throughout years despite suffering occasional losses respectivelly against Kevin Casey Yoel Romero Kelvin Gastelum Anthony Smith Derek Brunson Israel Adesanya Thiago Santos Jan Błachowicz Omari Akhmedov Corey Anderson Dominick Reyes Jared Cannonier Alonzo Menifield Glover Teixeira Jimmy Crute Aleksandar Rakic amongst others .

Saint Den’s career achievements include 2 post fight awards 2 performance bonuses 3rd degree black belt judo Pancrase Light Heavyweight Champion Cage Rage British Middleweight Champion currently ranked #15 Light heavyweight competitor within official UFC rankings considered being one greatest European fighters ever stepping inside octagon having entered Hall Of Fame inaugural list back 2018 . Last outing occurred January 2021 when faced Jiri Prochazka losing Split Decision marking total 24 bouts since entering organization representing more than decade worth experience both inside outside cage .